As the disappointment still lingers for Pitt fans after a tough home loss to Duke Monday night, there could be some good news coming that could help ease the pain. Among the attendees for the record crowd of 12,994 at the Pete was highly prized 2015 prospect, center Cheick Diallo. Diallo, from Our Savior New American School in Centereach, NY, is considered one of the top big men available in next year’s class.
Originally from Mali, Diallo is an athletic forward known for his explosiveness, rebounding and defensive presence. Diallo would be a welcome addition to the Panthers, and would give Jamie Dixon a premiere recruit Panther fans have been clamoring for.
Now there are rumors Diallo might ultimately decide that Pitt is it.
According to Chris Dokish from Panther’s prey, there’s reason to believe that Diallo could be the next 5-star recruit to commit to the Panthers, and the first since Steven Adams. Dokish cites Jerry Meyer, director of basketball scouting for 24/7 sports, as a believer that Diallo considers Pitt the favorite to gain his services. Its understood nothing is guaranteed until the commitment is made and ultimately, the letter of intent is signed. However, there are additional reasons to believe Diallo could end up a Panther.
For one, Diallo’s teammate, Damon Wilson, a rising SG prospect, recently became the Panthers initial class of 2015 commit. Another teammate, SF Kobie Eubanks, is also on the radar as a potential commit in this years’ class. One could conclude that the link to high school teammates certainly could persuade Diallo to commit, it certainly can’t hurt.
Lets not forget that Dixon bringing back Barry “Slice” Rohrssen, NYC recruiting extraordinaire, has paid immediate dividends. After helping recruit Pitt mainstays like Chris Taft, Carl Krauser and Levance Fields, Rohrssen left to take the head coaching job at Manhattan. Now he’s back, once again working his magic on the recruiting trail. There is no question Dixon missed Rohrssen’s talent for recruiting top players in NYC, and seeing recruits like Diallo seriously consider Pitt tells you how valuable he is, and what a welcome addition he is on Dixon’s staff.
PSN will keep you updated on any additional news or updates as they come.
